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The Inner Northern Apennines (Italy) are a region with a dominant N-S to NNW-SSE fault system, but dissected and offset by several E-W to NE-SW trending structures and lineaments. The knowledge about the nature of these transverse structures, their origin, activity and role in current tectonic motions is limited and debated. To better establish the location, subsurface shape, and kinematics of faults related to the Livorno-Empoli lineament, one of the major transverse structures in the Northern Apennines, we analysed the seismicity in western Tuscany. In the Viareggio Basin we identified and relocated two distinct earthquake clusters as well as calculated 12 new focal mechanisms. The results show that the clusters consisted of several swarms from the years 2006, 2015, 2016 and 2021. The events had a depth between 2 and 15 km and were located along a NE-SW oriented, SE dipping fault system dissecting the Viareggio Basin. Focal mechanisms show oblique normal slip. We interpret the fault system to form a connection between the Viareggio Basin and the Lucca Basin to the east as well as continuing offshore. The results show that the transversal faults of the Inner Northern Apennines are seismogenic, with the length, position and onshore to offshore nature of the fault suggesting reactivation of pre-existing structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land cover changes in mountainous areas due to silvo-pastoral abandonment can affect soil stability, especially on steep slopes. In addition, the increase in rainfall intensity in recent decades requires re-assessing landslide susceptibility and vegetation management for soil protection. This study was carried out using the software SlideforMAP in the Mt. Nerone massif (central Italy) to assess (i) the effects of land cover changes on slope stability over the past 70 years (1954–2021) and (ii) the role of actual vegetation cover during intense rainfall events. The study area has undergone a significant change in vegetation cover over the years, with a reduction in mainly pastures (−80%) and croplands (−22%) land cover classes in favor of broadleaf forests (+64%). We simulated twelve scenarios, combining land cover conditions and rainfall intensities, and analyzed the landslide failure probability results. Vegetation cover significantly increased the slope stability, up to three to four times compared to the unvegetated areas (29%, 68%, and 89%, respectively, in the no cover, 1954, and 2021 scenarios). The current land cover provided protection against landslide susceptibility, even during extreme rainfall events, for different return periods. The 30-year return period was a critical condition for a significant stability reduction. In addition, forest species provide different mitigation effects due to their root system features. The results showed that species with deep root systems, such as oaks, provide more effective slope stability than other species, such as pines. This study helps to quantify the mitigation effects of vegetation cover and suggests that physically based probabilistic models can be used at the regional scale to detect the areas prone to failure and the triggering of rainfall-induced shallow landslides. This approach can be important in land planning and management to mitigate risks in mountainous regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Inner Northern Apennines (Italy) are a region with a dominant N-S to NNW-SSE fault system, but dissected and offset by several E-W to NE-SW trending structures and lineaments. The knowledge about the nature of these transverse structures, their origin, activity and role in current tectonic motions is limited and debated. To better establish the location, subsurface shape, and kinematics of faults related to the Livorno-Empoli lineament, one of the major transverse structures in the Northern Apennines, we analysed the seismicity in western Tuscany. In the Viareggio Basin we identified and relocated two distinct earthquake clusters as well as calculated 12 new focal mechanisms. The results show that the clusters consisted of several swarms from the years 2006, 2015, 2016 and 2021. The events had a depth between 2 and 15 km and were located along a NE-SW oriented, SE dipping fault system dissecting the Viareggio Basin. Focal mechanisms show oblique normal slip. We interpret the fault system to form a connection between the Viareggio Basin and the Lucca Basin to the east as well as continuing offshore. The results show that the transversal faults of the Inner Northern Apennines are seismogenic, with the length, position and onshore to offshore nature of the fault suggesting reactivation of pre-existing structures.

The habitats protected by the European Union (EU) include most peat vegetation, such as mires, swamp mires, fens, and peat bogs—all belonging to the classes Oxycocco–Sphagnetea and Scheuchzerio–Caricetea fuscae and carrying the Habitat Codes 71xx and 72xx. These types of vegetation are typical of cold and cool temperate climates, while they become rarer in Southern Europe where Mediterranean influences prevail, representing relic fragments of the past glacial climatic conditions there. Because of their limited extension and the increasing warmth and drought due to climate change, they are seriously threatened. Even if many studies were performed, their richness and distribution across Europe are still not well–understood, and only a few examples are known from the Central and Southern Apennines to date. In order to provide the syntaxonomical classification of the alkaline fens referable to the EU Habitat 7230 found on the mountain plateaus of the Central Apennines, we analyzed their species structure and flora composition, together with their chorological and ecological characteristics. We also evaluated their conservation status, pressures, and threats. The alkaline fens of the Central Apennines are found to be poorer in diagnostic species when compared to similar communities of Central and Northern Europe. However, they are rich in the species of the surrounding meadows and pastures. Among them, the new subassociation Caricetum davallianae caricetosum hostianae is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: There is increasing interest in the study of how the ongoing climate change is affecting insect populations. However, most research has been focused on a limited number of groups that are particularly charismatic or expected to respond more clearly to climate change. Moreover, most research has been developed in a few areas (especially northern and central European countries), while others (such as the Mediterranean basin) have been largely overlooked. Therefore, more empirical research is needed, particularly on less charismatic species, groups that are expected to react less dramatically to climatic change, and key areas that are still poorly investigated. This study investigates changes in distributional and activity patterns in a common, ecologically tolerant, forest tenebrionid beetle in a region (central Italy) within the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot, an area strongly subjected to the ongoing climate change, but for which research is still limited. By analyzing changes in elevation, latitude, longitude, and seasonal activity between 1900–1980 and 1981–2022, the results provided insights into the potential effects of climate change on this species. The beetle's average values of elevation and latitude were found to have been increased in the second period. In response to rising temperatures, the species became more frequent at higher elevation and in northern places. No strong evidence was found for an earlier species seasonal activity, but this could be due to the inclusion in the analysis of likely overwintering individuals. The findings suggest that even thermally tolerant species can undergo distributional shifts in elevation and latitude, even at a relatively small scale. There is an increasing volume of literature on the impact of climate change on insects. However, there is an urgent need for more empirical research on underrepresented groups in key areas, including species for which the effects of climatic change may seem less evident. The present paper illustrates the results of a study on a common forest tenebrionid beetle, Accanthopus velikensis (Piller and Mitterpacher, 1783), at a regional scale within the Mediterranean basin. Using a large set of records from Latium (central Italy), changes in the median values of elevation, latitude, longitude, and phenology between two periods (1900–1980 vs. 1981–2022) were tested. Records of A. velikensis in the period 1981–2022 showed median values of elevation and latitude higher than those recorded in the first period. Thus, in response to rising temperatures, the species became more frequent at higher elevation and in northern places. By contrast, A. velikensis does not seem to have changed its activity pattern in response to increased temperatures, but this might be an artifact due to the inclusion of likely overwintering individuals. The results obtained for A. velikensis indicate that even thermally euryoecious species can show changes in their elevational and latitudinal distribution, and that poleward shifts can be apparent even within a small latitudinal gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetation tends to vary in a systematic fashion along elevational gradients, leading to the possibility of recognizing distinct vegetational belts, which are frequently used to describe and interpret elevational variations in biodiversity. However, anthropogenic changes can create landscapes dominated by secondary grasslands in areas formerly occupied by forests, thus altering the natural sequence of vegetation types. The present research illustrates how the distribution of tenebrionid beetles in central Italy is influenced by secondary vegetation. Classical schemes of vegetational belts were modified into a scheme of main vegetation types that include secondary vegetations. Tenebrionid species presence/absence in each vegetation type was then assessed. Species richness tended to decrease with elevation in both natural and secondary vegetations. Geophilous (ground-dwelling) species (which include many endemics) prevailed in natural and secondary grasslands, while xylophilous species (associated with trees) prevailed in the natural forests. Similarities in tenebrionid composition indicated the presence of two main groups: one associated with forests and the other with natural and secondary grasslands. Geophilous species prevailed among tenebrionids with Mediterranean distributions, whereas xylophilous species prevailed among species distributed mainly in Europe and the Palearctic. High values of richness, biogeographical complexity and proportion of endemics make secondary vegetations of high conservation concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines crosses and other religious symbols on summits in the Apennines and the Alps, mapped by altimetric bands. These anthropic signs have different causes and effects on the cultural and environmental levels. Using citizen science models, after mapping the 2,000-metre peaks in the Apennines, we conducted surveys of those of 3,000 metres in the Dolomites, and of 4,000 metres in Protected Areas within the Italian Alps. We suggest that our mapping of these cultural sites should be exported as a shared practice with other Italian and cross-border Alpine associations to preserve the historical memory of the signs on the peaks. In the light of the quantitative and qualitative results, and considering the impact of the symbols on the landscape and ecosystems, it is recommended that no new artefacts should be built, in order to transmit the concepts of restraint and naturalness to future generations; the sustainable use of stone cairns should be preferred. An ecological re-purposing of some summit crosses as temporary high-altitude meteorological stations is suggested, with the aim of collecting data and increasing our knowledge of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land cover changes in mountainous areas due to silvo-pastoral abandonment can affect soil stability, especially on steep slopes. In addition, the increase in rainfall intensity in recent decades requires re-assessing landslide susceptibility and vegetation management for soil protection. This study was carried out using the software SlideforMAP in the Mt. Nerone massif (central Italy) to assess (i) the effects of land cover changes on slope stability over the past 70 years (1954–2021) and (ii) the role of actual vegetation cover during intense rainfall events. The study area has undergone a significant change in vegetation cover over the years, with a reduction in mainly pastures (−80%) and croplands (−22%) land cover classes in favor of broadleaf forests (+64%). We simulated twelve scenarios, combining land cover conditions and rainfall intensities, and analyzed the landslide failure probability results. Vegetation cover significantly increased the slope stability, up to three to four times compared to the unvegetated areas (29%, 68%, and 89%, respectively, in the no cover, 1954, and 2021 scenarios). The current land cover provided protection against landslide susceptibility, even during extreme rainfall events, for different return periods. The 30-year return period was a critical condition for a significant stability reduction. In addition, forest species provide different mitigation effects due to their root system features. The results showed that species with deep root systems, such as oaks, provide more effective slope stability than other species, such as pines. This study helps to quantify the mitigation effects of vegetation cover and suggests that physically based probabilistic models can be used at the regional scale to detect the areas prone to failure and the triggering of rainfall-induced shallow landslides. This approach can be important in land planning and management to mitigate risks in mountainous regions.

The spatio-temporal evolution of groundwater chemistry has seen an increase in interest over the last decade at a global level. Identifying and discerning the sources of the natural and anthropogenic compounds and the actual hydrochemical processes, as well as their evolution, is essential to support a sustainable planning for managing and protecting groundwater resources at the present time and in the future. The main objective of this study is the comparison of two study areas in Italy (Piedmont and Campania Regions), different in their geographical and geological contexts and climate conditions, to highlight the similarities and differences in the hydrogeochemical behavior in space and time. Three main ions were considered (NO3 –, SO4 2–, Na+) and analyzed to identify the sources and hydrochemical processes responsible for their spatial distribution in the 2015-2020 period and evaluate the existence and the potential causes of trends in their concentration for the 2000-2020 period. Results highlight specific factors and processes distinguishing the spatial distribution and temporal variability of ion concentrations in Piedmont and Campania study areas. These processes are mainly related to the geological and geographical features of the study areas. In both areas, a significant influence of anthropogenic pressures emerges for both spatial and temporal evolutions, with remarkably increasing trends in NO3 – concentrations. In conclusion, some factors and processes emerge as site-specific, mainly related to the geological aspects and natural hydrochemical processes, whereas others are in common (i.e., anthropogenic impacts); thus, reinforcing the advantage of making comparative studies.

A comparative analysis of environmental conditions between Alpine and Apennine lakes/ponds which represent different faces of European mountain regions was conducted. The data set was created on the basis of previous works carried out by national and international institutions including biological, physical–chemical, geographic, and precipitation data from 27 lakes/ponds placed at altitudes ranging from 2334 ± 294 m a.s.l. (in the Alps) and 1541 ± 154 m a.s.l. (in the Apennines), with mean maximum depths of about 5.5 ± 4.6 m. A specific focus was dedicated to chironomids as outstanding sentinels for local and global changes in habitat conditions. Species richness and Taxonomic Distinctness Indices were applied to lakes/ponds macroinvertebrates to highlight differences in the biodiversity of the two areas. Subsequently, associations between descriptors of the mountain region climate, lithology, water chemistry, lake morphology, geography, macroinvertebrate assemblage richness, and distinctness were examined through Principal Component Analysis, Analysis of Variance, and Non-metric Multi-dimensional Scaling. Results showed strong positive correlations between mean annual precipitation and temperature with lake macroinvertebrate biodiversity as a whole and with chironomid in particular. Thus, these shore habitats face a threat under climate change conditions (impacting thermal and precipitation regimes). These results are also central in showing that even small ecosystems are important sources of biodiversity for the lower altitudes, stressing the urgency of including them within targeted monitoring and action plans to preserve their peculiar habitat, flora, and fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The habitats protected by the European Union (EU) include most peat vegetation, such as mires, swamp mires, fens, and peat bogs—all belonging to the classes Oxycocco–Sphagnetea and Scheuchzerio–Caricetea fuscae and carrying the Habitat Codes 71xx and 72xx. These types of vegetation are typical of cold and cool temperate climates, while they become rarer in Southern Europe where Mediterranean influences prevail, representing relic fragments of the past glacial climatic conditions there. Because of their limited extension and the increasing warmth and drought due to climate change, they are seriously threatened. Even if many studies were performed, their richness and distribution across Europe are still not well–understood, and only a few examples are known from the Central and Southern Apennines to date. In order to provide the syntaxonomical classification of the alkaline fens referable to the EU Habitat 7230 found on the mountain plateaus of the Central Apennines, we analyzed their species structure and flora composition, together with their chorological and ecological characteristics. We also evaluated their conservation status, pressures, and threats. The alkaline fens of the Central Apennines are found to be poorer in diagnostic species when compared to similar communities of Central and Northern Europe. However, they are rich in the species of the surrounding meadows and pastures. Among them, the new subassociation Caricetum davallianae caricetosum hostianae is described.

There is an increasing volume of literature on the impact of climate change on insects. However, there is an urgent need for more empirical research on underrepresented groups in key areas, including species for which the effects of climatic change may seem less evident. The present paper illustrates the results of a study on a common forest tenebrionid beetle, Accanthopus velikensis (Piller and Mitterpacher, 1783), at a regional scale within the Mediterranean basin. Using a large set of records from Latium (central Italy), changes in the median values of elevation, latitude, longitude, and phenology between two periods (1900–1980 vs. 1981–2022) were tested. Records of A. velikensis in the period 1981–2022 showed median values of elevation and latitude higher than those recorded in the first period. Thus, in response to rising temperatures, the species became more frequent at higher elevation and in northern places. By contrast, A. velikensis does not seem to have changed its activity pattern in response to increased temperatures, but this might be an artifact due to the inclusion of likely overwintering individuals. The results obtained for A. velikensis indicate that even thermally euryoecious species can show changes in their elevational and latitudinal distribution, and that poleward shifts can be apparent even within a small latitudinal gradient.

Vegetation tends to vary in a systematic fashion along elevational gradients, leading to the possibility of recognizing distinct vegetational belts, which are frequently used to describe and interpret elevational variations in biodiversity. However, anthropogenic changes can create landscapes dominated by secondary grasslands in areas formerly occupied by forests, thus altering the natural sequence of vegetation types. The present research illustrates how the distribution of tenebrionid beetles in central Italy is influenced by secondary vegetation. Classical schemes of vegetational belts were modified into a scheme of main vegetation types that include secondary vegetations. Tenebrionid species presence/absence in each vegetation type was then assessed. Species richness tended to decrease with elevation in both natural and secondary vegetations. Geophilous (ground-dwelling) species (which include many endemics) prevailed in natural and secondary grasslands, while xylophilous species (associated with trees) prevailed in the natural forests. Similarities in tenebrionid composition indicated the presence of two main groups: one associated with forests and the other with natural and secondary grasslands. Geophilous species prevailed among tenebrionids with Mediterranean distributions, whereas xylophilous species prevailed among species distributed mainly in Europe and the Palearctic. High values of richness, biogeographical complexity and proportion of endemics make secondary vegetations of high conservation concern.

The increasing accuracy and spatiotemporal resolution of space geodetic techniques have positively impacted the study of shallow crustal deformation in response to the redistribution of water masses. Measurable deformations have been documented in areas where snow and water variability is large and persists over sufficiently long periods. Here we analyze GPS time series and hydrological data from the Central-Southern Apennines, a tectonically-active region hosting large karst aquifers. We document the occurrence of regional-scale horizontal and vertical transient deformation that is clearly correlated to seasonal and multiyear hydrological variability. These transient signals, which are most strongly observed at GPS sites surrounding the main karst aquifers, modulate long term tectonic deformation. Our results suggest that the karst aquifers in this region experience alternating periods of expansion and contraction in response to increasing/decreasing precipitation and, consequently, higher/lower hydraulic head in the aquifers. Thanks to the availability of a dense continuous GPS network and complementary hydrological datasets, we are able to verify the processes causing the observed deformation. We model the shallow crust in the region as a continuous anelastic solid and use Green's functions for finite strain cuboid sources to estimate the strain rate distribution associated with the GPS observations. We use the Mw 6.1 L'Aquila earthquake, which struck the Central Apennines in 2009 and whose effects are evident in geodetic data, to document the potential effects of moderate earthquakes on karst aquifers and to demonstrate the importance of correctly discerning tectonic from nontectonic signals in geodetic time series. Enhanced understanding of the karst aquifers behavior is of primary interest for improved management of this vital water resource and for a better understanding of the possible interactions between groundwater content and pore pressure variations in the crust and seismicity.

Abstract Background Throughout their range, red deer are a well-studied species. In Italy, this species occupies two ecologically different ranges: the Alps and the Apennines. Although several studies have described the spatial behaviour of red deer in the Italian Alps, no data are available for the Apennine population. Results The spatial behaviours of 13 deer from the Northern Apennines range were analysed for the first time using GPS-GSM telemetry from 2011 to 2017. Red deer displayed two coexisting strategies, i.e., migratory and stationary. In our sample, females tended to migrate more than males. We found a high level of interindividual variability in the date of migration/return, while each migratory deer was very conservative during the study period. The migration ranges were on average 12 ± 4.2 km from the resident range. Both migratory and resident deer displayed high site fidelity. No switch from the migratory to stationary strategy was observed for any deer during the study period; however, the period could have been too short to detect any switch. At the management level, over 18 management cycles occurred during the study period, and a spatial mismatch was found between deer range and management units (districts) in 38.9% (7) of the cases. Merging the districts belonging to each province to obtain an area of approximately 1000 km2 would partially address such spatial mismatch, reducing its occurrence to 22%. Conclusions Despite the small sample size, these results can guide future management actions. However, an in-depth study with a larger sample size is required to better understand and manage the red deer Apennines population.

Simple Summary: Plant species of a regional flora have different ecological preferences, leading to the presence of different assemblages along environmental gradients. Botanists elaborated score systems to express species preferences for environmental factors, such as temperature, light, soil moisture, etc. The most popular system is that of the 'Ellenberg indicator values' (EIVs). EIVs have been largely applied to use plant species as indicators of environmental characteristics. In this research, we adopted a different perspective, and used EIVs to study how species are filtered by variations in ecological conditions along an elevational gradient. We used the flora of a small mountain in Central Italy as our case study. We found that heat-loving species are progressively replaced by cold-adapted ones at increasing elevations. Sunlight-adapted species prevail at low and high elevations (where open habitats occur), whereas in the middle of the gradient (occupied by the beech forest) shade-loving species predominate. Variation for moisture and soil nutrient preferences followed a similar pattern since humus abundance makes forest soils moister and richer in nutrients. Preferences for pH and continentality did not follow any clear pattern, since these factors are subject to more local variations. These results highlight the possible use of EIVs to study how plant communities respond to environmental gradients. Ellenberg indicator values (EIVs) express plant preferences for temperature, light, continentality, soil moisture, pH, and soil nutrients, and have been largely used to deduce environmental characteristics from plant communities. However, EIVs might also be used to investigate the importance of filtering mechanisms in shaping plant communities according to species ecological preferences, a so far overlooked use of EIVs. In this paper, we investigated how community-weighted means (CWM), calculated with EIVs, varied along an elevational gradient in a small mountain in Central Italy. We also tested if species abundances varied according to their ecological preferences. We found that the prevalence of thermophilous species declines with elevation, being progressively replaced by cold-adapted species. Heliophilous species prevail at low and high elevations (characterized by the presence of open habitats), whereas in the middle of the gradient (occupied by the beech forest), sciophilous species predominate. Variations for moisture and soil nutrient preferences followed a similar pattern, probably because of the high moisture and nutrient levels of forest soils with a lot of humus. No distinct pattern was detected for EIVs for pH and continentality since these factors are subject to more local variations. These results highlight the possible role of EIVs to investigate how environmental gradients shape plant communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper new floristic records for 41 taxa (species and subspecies) are reported. In particular, 30 taxa are natives and 11 aliens. Among the natives 1 is new for Veneto, 7 are new or confirmed for Marche, 1 is new for Lazio, 9 are new or confirmed for Abruzzo, 2 are new or confirmed for Molise; 13 aliens taxa are new for Abruzzo, Lazio and Marche. Some findings are very interesting from a phytogeographic and/or conservation point of view, such as Allium guttatum subsp. dalmaticum new for Italy, Astragalus austriacus and Myosotis minutiflora subsp. minutiflora new for the Apennines, and, a species deserving urgent conservation actions, of which we report the second location at national scale. Furthermore, we report some new locations for very rare species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims – The research aim was to investigate the relation between large-scale geographic factors and the functional structure of the herbaceous layer of calcareous beech forests in the Apennines, managed as high forest.Material and methods – We selected 163 plots (20 × 20 m), ranging from Central to South Italy, using a random stratified sampling design. We correlated the effect sizes of traits’ community-weighted means, functional richness, evenness, divergence, dispersion, and Rao’s quadratic entropy, with the main axes of variation in species composition.Key results – The geographical range played a weak role in shaping the species composition of the herbaceous layer. However, we found evidence of functional convergence towards the northern sectors of the study area, where traits linked to resource retention strategies and vegetative spread are filtered. We did not find any evidence of convergence northwards for leaf phenology and pollination types.Conclusion – The increase of the intensity in the environmental stress was associated with a decrease of diversity for traits related to resource conservation strategies and vegetative propagation. On the contrary, the lower cold stress intensity southwards fostered a better niche partitioning, ensuring the coexistence of species with different modalities of resource acquisition and conservation.

Landslide inventories provide the knowledge basis for many geomorphological applications and also planning and emergency management. Detailed landslide inventories should also be prepared where pre-existing inventories are available, as knowledge updates. In this paper, we present a new geomorphological landslide inventory for an area of the High Agri Valley, Southern Italian Apennines. The map was prepared through systematic interpretation of historical aerial photographs testing extensive use of anaglyph glasses in StereoPhoto Maker freeware. A total of 2124 landslides were classified based on the type of movement, estimated depth, estimated relative age and three levels of uncertainty, providing landslide attributes and map constraints useful for land planning and hazard studies. The map also documents the relationships between landslides and fluvial landforms of different generations, recording important information to investigate the geomorphological evolution of the area further. We expect that landslide mapping in similar environments will benefit from the workflow here presented.

A new interpretation of the Middle Jurassic-Early Cretaceous paleogeographic evolution of the NW sector of the Latium-Abruzzi carbonate platform facing the Umbria-Marche Basin is proposed, based on Monte Giano area (central Apennines, Italy). During Late Triassic-early Bajocian time, the area was characterized by shallow water sedimentation. Inner and marginal carbonate platform deposits are overlain by pelagic deposits (Posidonia level), early Bajocian p.p. in age. This unconformity testifying the sudden drowning of the Monte Giano area, while shallow water sedimentation persisted in the remaining sectors of the carbonate platform. The Posidonia level is paraconformably overlain by distal slope deposits of the Velino Gorge limestones Formation, Kimmeridgian p.p.-Tithonian p.p. in age. Therefore, a 12Ma gap is recorded as in the Umbria-Marche Basin pelagic carbonate platforms. An extensional Bajocian tectonic phase, possibly related to the Piemont-Ligurian Ocean opening coupled with rheologic differences at the basin/platform boundary, drastically changed the regional paleogeography causing the breakup and the drowning of the NW sector of the Latium-Abruzzi carbonate platform and the creation of a large flat-topped pelagic carbonate platform. The estimate offset of the early Bajocian fault is around 300-350m. The Velino Gorge limestones fm. pass laterally and vertically to the Upper Tithonian platform-margin reef complex of the Ellipsactinia limestones fm.; these units constitute a shallowing and coarsening upward sequence and levelled the paleobathymetric gradient created by the Bajocian extension. The progradation of the Latium-Abruzzi carbonate platform continued during Early Cretaceous time. These results have strong implications on the tectonic and paleogeographic evolution of the major domains of the central Apennines.

This work explores the possibility that the destructive earthquakes occurring along the Apennine Chain in Italy are systematically triggered by groundwater recharge. The focus is on multi-year transitions toward phases of wet climate rather than on short-term heavy rainfall occurring in a few days or seasonally. The analysis takes into consideration the earthquakes with a moment magnitude of Mw ≥5.8 that have occurred since 1901. Their time distribution is compared with the fluctuations of the self-calibrated Palmer Drought Severity Index (scPDSI), an indicator of soil moisture, here assumed to be a proxy for groundwater recharge. It is found that the scPDSI evolved through six main oscillations lasting from 11 to 25 years, and that, with one exception, the strongest earthquake in each phase is placed within 2 years from the maximum of soil moisture. Based on a statistical test for pairs of point processes, such a coincidence indicates a significant synchrony between the two phenomena. In particular, the two strongest earthquakes of the study period (the 1915 Marsica earthquake and the 1980 Irpinia–Basilicata earthquake, with moment magnitudes of Mw 7.1 and 6.8, respectively) occurred exactly in the year of two of the largest peaks of scPDSI. The connection between wet climate conditions and the occurrence of strong earthquakes is further investigated by comparing the time distribution of Mw ≥6.1 historical earthquakes that have occurred since 1200 AD with the evolution of the Great Aletsch Glacier in Switzerland, representative of water accumulation at the continental level. Even in this case, the earthquakes clustered during time periods of increased precipitation and lower water evaporation, corresponding to the extreme phases of the Little Ice Age. The agreement of the results at different time scales and using different climate indexes leads to postulate a significant and systematic role of groundwater recharge in the triggering of large earthquakes along the Apennines. It is also suggested that the earthquakes might be triggered by pore-pressure propagation, where the necessary hydraulic continuity is made possible by the intersection of the shallow karst structures with the seismogenic faults.

Background: Throughout their range, red deer are a well-studied species. In Italy, this species occupies two ecologically different ranges: the Alps and the Apennines. Although several studies have described the spatial behaviour of red deer in the Italian Alps, no data are available for the Apennine population. Results: The spatial behaviours of 13 deer from the Northern Apennines range were analysed for the first time using GPS-GSM telemetry from 2011 to 2017. Red deer displayed two coexisting strategies, i.e., migratory and stationary. In our sample, females tended to migrate more than males. We found a high level of interindividual variability in the date of migration/return, while each migratory deer was very conservative during the study period. The migration ranges were on average 12 ± 4.2 km from the resident range. Both migratory and resident deer displayed high site fidelity. No switch from the migratory to stationary strategy was observed for any deer during the study period; however, the period could have been too short to detect any switch. At the management level, over 18 management cycles occurred during the study period, and a spatial mismatch was found between deer range and management units (districts) in 38.9% (7) of the cases. Merging the districts belonging to each province to obtain an area of approximately 1000 km2 would partially address such spatial mismatch, reducing its occurrence to 22%. Conclusions: Despite the small sample size, these results can guide future management actions. However, an in-depth study with a larger sample size is required to better understand and manage the red deer Apennines population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamics of the Alps and surrounding regions is still not completely understood, partly because of a non‐unique interpretation of its upper‐mantle architecture. In particular, it is unclear if interpreted slabs are consistent with the observed surface deformation and topography. We derive three end‐member scenarios of lithospheric thickness and slab geometries by clustering available shear‐wave tomography models into a statistical ensemble. We use these scenarios as input for geodynamic simulations and compare modeled topography, surface velocities and mantle flow to observations. We found that a slab detached beneath the Alps, but attached beneath the Northern Apennines captures first‐order patterns in topography and vertical surface velocities and can provide a causative explanation for the observed seismicity. Plain Language Summary: Present‐day surface deformation, including earthquakes, plate motion, and mass (re)distribution, results from processes operating at the surface and in the interior of the Earth. Understanding these processes and their coupling is of utmost importance in light of the hazard they pose to society. The Alps provide an excellent natural laboratory to understand such coupling. Here, we use seismic tomography models to constrain its upper‐mantle architecture. We further use these models to quantify forces originating from the resolved architecture and their effects on the present‐day surface deformation. The models can reproduce first‐order patterns in the observed topography and vertical surface motions. We found a causative correlation between the presence of a shallow slab attached to the overlying lithosphere in the Northern Apennines and the seismicity in the region. Our results allow us to better understand the transfer of internal forces to the surface, thereby helping to quantify the present‐day mechanical setup of the area. Key Points: Statistical ensemble of S‐wave tomography models is used to infer the Lithosphere‐Asthenosphere Boundary configuration and slab geometries in the AlpsThe 3‐D upper‐mantle architecture from the statistics reproduce first‐order patterns in observed topography and Global Navigation Satellite Systems vertical velocitiesA shallow/attached slab in the Northern Apennines is consistent with the mantle depth seismicity observed in this region [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an updated and expanded list of Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) haplotypes found in wild animals throughout the Apennines of central Italy. Samples were collected and identified during a monitoring program of autochthonous Galliformes and from a private collection. The haplotypes were identified on a longer fragment of the mitochondrial control region (D-loop) based on previously reported haplotypes. This novel evidence, based on a wider sampling area and a higher number of analyzed specimens, will be of relevance in both conservation projects and gamebird breeding for restock, as imposed by the Italian Action Plan. Studying longer fragments can also be useful for phylogeographic analysis. Dataset: Molecular data on the NCBI web site (GenBank) are available at the link https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Registration codes are ON086324, ON086325, ON086326, ON086327, ON086328, ON086329, ON086317, ON086318, ON086319, ON086320, ON086322, ON086323. Dataset License: CC0 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The dynamics of the Alps and surrounding regions is still not completely understood, partly because of a non‐unique interpretation of its upper‐mantle architecture. In particular, it is unclear if interpreted slabs are consistent with the observed surface deformation and topography. We derive three end‐member scenarios of lithospheric thickness and slab geometries by clustering available shear‐wave tomography models into a statistical ensemble. We use these scenarios as input for geodynamic simulations and compare modeled topography, surface velocities and mantle flow to observations. We found that a slab detached beneath the Alps, but attached beneath the Northern Apennines captures first‐order patterns in topography and vertical surface velocities and can provide a causative explanation for the observed seismicity.

The diet in skinks is known mainly for extra-European species, especially from Australian ones, where these lizards are represented by a great number of species, while, in comparison, data for species from other continents are scarce. The three-toed skink, Chalcides chalcides, is found in a restricted part of northern Africa and in Italy, where it is distributed almost uniformly throughout the peninsula and on the major islands. Although it is well studied for aspects such as morphology and ecology, data concerning trophic preferences are scarce, and available only for the populations of south-central Italy. In this note we report preliminary data about the diet of an Apennine population of the three-toed skink, Chalcides chalcides, at the northern boundary of its distribution area. Faecal contents from 20 individuals were collected in June 2015, obtaining an overall sample of 48 prey items. Araneae constituted the most preyed taxon (over 40%), followed by Hemiptera (35,4%) and other prey taxa (Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, and Dermaptera) in much lower percentages. We found no differences between smaller/younger and larger/older individuals in consumed preys. As well as confirming the general trophic predilection of this skink for spiders, we also found some interesting differences in preyed items with studied populations of south-central Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diet in skinks is known mainly for extra-European species, especially from Australian ones, where these lizards are represented by a great number of species, while, in comparison, data for species from other continents are scarce. The three-toed skink, Chalcides chalcides, is found in a restricted part of northern Africa and in Italy, where it is distributed almost uniformly throughout the peninsula and on the major islands. Although it is well studied for aspects such as morphology and ecology, data concerning trophic preferences are scarce, and available only for the populations of south-central Italy. In this note we report preliminary data about the diet of an Apennine population of the three-toed skink, Chalcides chalcides, at the northern boundary of its distribution area. Faecal contents from 20 individuals were collected in June 2015, obtaining an overall sample of 48 prey items. Araneae constituted the most preyed taxon (over 40%), followed by Hemiptera (35,4%) and other prey taxa (Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, and Dermaptera) in much lower percentages. We found no differences between smaller/younger and larger/older individuals in consumed preys. As well as confirming the general trophic predilection of this skink for spiders, we also found some interesting differences in preyed items with studied populations of south-central Italy.

Several new records for 10 species of moth flies from central Italy are discussed in this paper. Three species, namely Sycorax similis (Müller, 1927), Pneumia sanae (Krek, 1990), and Jungiella (Jungiella) parvula (Vaillant, 1960), are new to the Italian fauna. Distribution of each species is provided, together with ecological and taxonomic remarks, where relevant. Diagnostic characters currently used to separate the taxa belonging to the Pericoma pannonica Szabó, 1960 species group are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims - The research aim was to investigate the relation between large-scale geographic factors and the functional structure of the herbaceous layer of calcareous beech forests in the Apennines, managed as high forest. Material and methods - We selected 163 plots (20 × 20 m), ranging from Central to South Italy, using a random stratified sampling design. We correlated the effect sizes of traits' community-weighted means, functional richness, evenness, divergence, dispersion, and Rao's quadratic entropy, with the main axes of variation in species composition. Key results - The geographical range played a weak role in shaping the species composition of the herbaceous layer. However, we found evidence of functional convergence towards the northern sectors of the study area, where traits linked to resource retention strategies and vegetative spread are filtered. We did not find any evidence of convergence northwards for leaf phenology and pollination types. Conclusion - The increase of the intensity in the environmental stress was associated with a decrease of diversity for traits related to resource conservation strategies and vegetative propagation. On the contrary, the lower cold stress intensity southwards fostered a better niche partitioning, ensuring the coexistence of species with different modalities of resource acquisition and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a 130 km2 wide geological map for the NE side of the fault-bounded High Agri Valley Southern Italy, that formed in the Quaternary in response to extensional tectonics dissecting the folds and thrusts of the Lucanian Apennine. To prepare the map, at 1:25,000 scale, we integrated information obtained through field surveys and the review of pre-existing geological data. Our work describes a number of significant map-scale structures, which can be related to well-constrained tectonic episodes. The new geological map provides important constraints that can be used to distinguish ancient structures from those that were active during the Quaternary, allowing a more detailed reconstruction of the processes that operate during the development of a post-orogenic trough. We expect that the new map will be used for different types of geological investigations, including studies of inversion tectonics, active tectonics, geosite mapping, 3D modelling of geological structures.

Plantations of conifers are widespread in Europe, often occurring outside of their native range. Reduction in species richness linked to increases in altitude has been previously reported for natural forests, although there is a lack of specific studies for mature pine plantations in both the Apennines and Europe. The aim of this study was to quantify the long-term effects of the extensive Pinus nigra plantations carried out between 1900 and 1956 in protected areas on floristic richness, species composition, and ecological traits of the understorey vegetation. We compared 20 mature pine plantations selected along an altitudinal gradient (700-1700 m a.s.l.) with neighbouring deciduous natural forests dominated by Ostrya carpinifolia and Fagus sylvatica, which represent the most widespread forest types in the central Apennines. The results showed that floristic richness follows two distinct altitude trends in pine plantations and natural forests. A strong reduction in species richness with elevation was observed in the natural forests, as well as a consequent increase in the local contribution to beta diversity, with a turnover of the ecological traits of the species. Contrastingly, no significant changes in richness and beta diversity were found for pine plantations in the same altitude range. Indeed, mature pine plantations up to 1400-1500 m a.s.l. showed the presence of many heliophilous and thermophilous species that are usually distributed at lower elevation. We discuss how such pine plantations can mitigate the effect of increasing altitude which is usually observed in the natural forests, slowing down the typical diversification of the forest communities along the altitudinal gradient.

Ellenberg indicator values (EIVs) express plant preferences for temperature, light, continentality, soil moisture, pH, and soil nutrients, and have been largely used to deduce environmental characteristics from plant communities. However, EIVs might also be used to investigate the importance of filtering mechanisms in shaping plant communities according to species ecological preferences, a so far overlooked use of EIVs. In this paper, we investigated how community-weighted means (CWM), calculated with EIVs, varied along an elevational gradient in a small mountain in Central Italy. We also tested if species abundances varied according to their ecological preferences. We found that the prevalence of thermophilous species declines with elevation, being progressively replaced by cold-adapted species. Heliophilous species prevail at low and high elevations (characterized by the presence of open habitats), whereas in the middle of the gradient (occupied by the beech forest), sciophilous species predominate. Variations for moisture and soil nutrient preferences followed a similar pattern, probably because of the high moisture and nutrient levels of forest soils with a lot of humus. No distinct pattern was detected for EIVs for pH and continentality since these factors are subject to more local variations. These results highlight the possible role of EIVs to investigate how environmental gradients shape plant communities.

Abstract The geological record of deep fossil seismogenesis in subduction zones is limited due to common rock overprinting during exhumation and only a few regions expose well‐preserved deeply exhumed structures. We investigated a mesoscopic contractional duplex formed at blueschist facies conditions in continental metasediments in the Northern Apennines (Italy). Field observations reveal strain partitioning within the duplex between metapelite bands, corresponding to high‐strain zones, and metaquartzarenite bands, which form low‐strain, imbricated metric horses. Dilational shear veins occur in both lithotypes and are composed of quartz and carpholite fibers defining a stretching lineation parallel to the regional SW‐NE transport direction. Geometrical, cross cutting and petrographic relationships suggest that veins formed broadly syn‐mylonitization. Thermodynamic modeling constrains the formation of the mylonitic foliation to >0.7 GPa and ∼400°C and the dilational shear veins vein to ∼1.1 GPa and 350°C. Therefore, we document a top‐to‐the‐E‐NE thrust that formed at the deepest conditions recorded by this unit of the Northern Apennines. In the thrusted continental metasediments, aqueous fluid locally released by metamorphic dehydration reactions transiently increased pore pressure, in turn triggering brittle‐ductile cyclicity. We propose that blueschist facies dilational shear veins and mylonitic foliation represent a geological record of deep episodic tremor and slow slip events. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that these events are genetically associated with brittle and ductile structures of a mesoscopic duplex. We suggest that these structures could be common features of the high‐pressure metamorphic units of the Apennine orogenic belt.

The relationships between structural complexity, deadwood abundance, microhabitat type and species-diversity indicators are excellent tools to monitor biodiversity in forest ecosystems.In spite of their importance, correlations between structural traits and Coleoptera communities in Mediterranean mountain forests have only rarely been investigated. Consequently, the magnitude and direction of the relationships between forest traits and biodiversity indicators remain poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed whether biodiversity indices of saproxylic and non-saproxylic beetle communities could be influenced by stand structure, microhabitat type, and deadwood abundance in two protected beech forests located in the central and southern Apennines (namely Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, GSML, and Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni National Park, CVDA). Standard measurements of forest structural traits and quantitative assessment of tree microhabitats and deadwood were carried out. Adult beetles were collected using window flight traps and emergence traps on decaying deadwood. The two beech forests were different in terms of both beetle communities and structural traits. A two-block partial least squares analysis 2B-PLS highlighted differences in biodiversity indices and structural traits between the two forest ecosystems. In GSML, we observed that biodiversity indices were positively correlated with the volume of coarse woody debris and the presence fungal infections, clefts into the sapwood, and woodpecker cavities, while more dominant beetle communities were found under denser canopy cover. In CVDA, Coleoptera abundance was positively correlated with the basal area and crown broken microhabitats. Our results point toward the relevance of ecological attributes in tracking changes in beetle biodiversity in specific forest contexts. In these protected Mediterranean mountain beech stands, in which the main forest management strategies have the primary objective of biodiversity conservation, we suggest to progressively increase the structural diversity and canopy dynamics, as well as the volume of coarse woody debris.

Understanding tree species responses to climate change is crucial for preserving biodiversity especially in Southern Europe hot spots where Abies alba is widely spread. Three Apennine silver fir populations, Pigelleto (PIG), La Verna (LV) and Bocca Trabaria (BT), ensured gene flows in interglacial periods between the two phylogenetically different groups of northern and southern Apennines. These stands were analysed (nuclear and chloroplast SSRs) with the aim to establish a baseline for their future management in view of the expected changes. The three forests were tested for the Centre-Periphery Hypothesis (CPH) compared to forty-five Italian populations. At the same time, permanent areas were surveyed within LV and PIG on dominant (a) and dominated or natural regeneration (r) tree layers, and on age classes. In two consecutive years, spring cambial phenology activity was also weekly monitored on microcores, and critical phenology dates recorded. The stands matched CPH only partially, showing different phylogenetic history and their bridging between northern and southern groups of silver fir populations was confirmed. LV was distinct from PIG and BT. The within-population variance component was significantly high, and no narrow relatedness was observed between dominant and dominated/ regeneration spatially closer trees, and genetic parameters were comparable in both layers at LV and PIG. In both stands, older age classes ensured natural regeneration. Cambium phenology was highly variable within populations, consistently to other Mediterranean conifers, and highly sensitive to local and year's conditions and monitoring will improve population's adaptive capacity detection. Shelterwood-system silvicultural treatments are suggested on small areas to drive the demographic and panmictic balance towards an uneven-aged more resilient structure, and iterated monitoring will help to adapt the forest management to the isotherm shift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En el presente trabajo se pretende analizar la relación y empleo de los elefantes por Aníbal Barca. La dirección de los paquidermos por el general púnico ha sido asimilada por la historiografía directamente del relato de las fuentes clásicas sin ninguna pregunta científica. Hispania, el Ródano, los Alpes, Trebia, los Apeninos y Zama se presentan como los principales contextos donde nuestra investigación se desarrolla para esclarecer el verdadero papel y desempeño de estos animales en el ejército de Aníbal. Abstract In the present work it is intended to analyze the relationship and employment of the elephants by Hannibal Barca. The direction of the pachyderms by the punic general has been assimilated by the historiography directly from the account of the classical sources without any scientific question. Hispania, the Rhone, the Alps, Trebia, the Apennines and Zama are presented as the main contexts where our research is developed to clarify the true role and performance of these animals in the army of Hannibal.

Particularly the Liguria region in Northern Italy is highly affected by soil erosion processes. This study was conducted in the Portofino promontory in eastern Liguria, to predict potential annual soil loss using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). Moreover, we evaluate the relative accuracy of the predictions at detailed scale, using high resolution spatial information for model calibration. The RUSLE factors were calculated for the study area based on terrain survey data and rain gauge measurements. The results were plotted on a 1:10,000 scale soil erosion map and subsequently compared with the European soil loss estimation method (RUSLE2015) developed by the European Joined Research Centre. This study shows that the RUSLE2015 model can be applied in a typical Mediterranean environment such as the Portofino promontory. However, the accuracy of the single factors we calculated using high resolution data sets might improve the results substantially and thus, also model efficiency.

The positioning and construction of castles in ancient times responded not only to strategic opportunity, but also to the issue of geomorphological risk. We investigated castles and strongholds built in the era of the Great Countess Matilda of Canossa in part of the northern Apennines (Italy), in order to study the relationship between their positioning and the distribution of geomorphological and geological hazards. We observe how the location of castles follows clear patterns of avoidance of potential hazards: castles are kept far from the main fault systems and stream networks, and are mainly at a safe distance from landslide- and badlands-susceptible terrains. The knowledge of Medieval communities on landscape hazards was sufficiently advanced to minimise risks, while maintaining the strategic value of fortifications.

We report an updated and expanded list of Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) haplotypes found in wild animals throughout the Apennines of central Italy. Samples were collected and identified during a monitoring program of autochthonous Galliformes and from a private collection. The haplotypes were identified on a longer fragment of the mitochondrial control region (D-loop) based on previously reported haplotypes. This novel evidence, based on a wider sampling area and a higher number of analyzed specimens, will be of relevance in both conservation projects and gamebird breeding for restock, as imposed by the Italian Action Plan. Studying longer fragments can also be useful for phylogeographic analysis.

Landslide inventories provide the knowledge basis for many geomorphological applications and also planning and emergency management. Detailed landslide inventories should also be prepared where pre-existing inventories are available, as knowledge updates. In this paper, we present a new geomorphological landslide inventory for an area of the High Agri Valley, Southern Italian Apennines. The map was prepared through systematic interpretation of historical aerial photographs testing extensive use of anaglyph glasses in StereoPhoto Maker freeware. A total of 2124 landslides were classified based on the type of movement, estimated depth, estimated relative age and three levels of uncertainty, providing landslide attributes and map constraints useful for land planning and hazard studies. The map also documents the relationships between landslides and fluvial landforms of different generations, recording important information to investigate the geomorphological evolution of the area further. We expect that landslide mapping in similar environments will benefit from the workflow here presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new interpretation of the Middle Jurassic-Early Cretaceous paleogeographic evolution of the NW sector of the Latium-Abruzzi carbonate platform facing the Umbria-Marche Basin is proposed, based on Monte Giano area (central Apennines, Italy). During Late Triassic-early Bajocian time, the area was characterized by shallow water sedimentation. Inner and marginal carbonate platform deposits are overlain by pelagic deposits (Posidonia level), early Bajocian p.p. in age. This unconformity testifying the sudden drowning of the Monte Giano area, while shallow water sedimentation persisted in the remaining sectors of the carbonate platform. The Posidonia level is paraconformably overlain by distal slope deposits of the Velino Gorge limestones Formation, Kimmeridgian p.p.-Tithonian p.p. in age. Therefore, a 12Ma gap is recorded as in the Umbria-Marche Basin pelagic carbonate platforms. An extensional Bajocian tectonic phase, possibly related to the Piemont-Ligurian Ocean opening coupled with rheologic differences at the basin/platform boundary, drastically changed the regional paleogeography causing the breakup and the drowning of the NW sector of the Latium-Abruzzi carbonate platform and the creation of a large flat-topped pelagic carbonate platform. The estimate offset of the early Bajocian fault is around 300-350m. The Velino Gorge limestones fm. pass laterally and vertically to the Upper Tithonian platform-margin reef complex of the Ellipsactinia limestones fm.; these units constitute a shallowing and coarsening upward sequence and levelled the paleobathymetric gradient created by the Bajocian extension. The progradation of the Latium-Abruzzi carbonate platform continued during Early Cretaceous time. These results have strong implications on the tectonic and paleogeographic evolution of the major domains of the central Apennines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to urban and industrial development in the post-war period, the Italian Alps and Apennines have experience an intense phenomenon of depopulation, mainly caused by massive emigration to urban areas. Italian mountain regions, considered for a long time as marginal, neglected areas out of public and political attention, since long have also been affected by different forms of migration that question their representation as ‘places left behind’. At first focusing on the phenomenon of the ‘new mountain people’, and just later on taking into account also the role of foreign migrants in mountain areas, several studies highlighted the fundamental role im-migration flows in transforming Italian mountains, favouring a ‘return to the centre’ of highlands also – and above all – in public and political discourse. This article investigates, also through the analysis of Berceto case, the role – current and potential – of foreign immigrants in this re-thematization in economic, territorial as well as demographic and socio-cultural terms of the marginalized territories of the Alps and Apennines.

Three new species of the genus Centromerus from Italy, C. tongiorgii sp. nov., C. hanseni sp. nov., and C. gatoi sp. nov., are described for the first time on the basis of both male and female specimens. Their relationships with other congeneric species, as well as their diagnoses, are discussed using morphological characters. New records of poorly known species of Centromerus from Italy are furthermore reported. Among them, C. desmeti Bosmans, 1986 is reported for the first time for the Italian fauna and for continental Europe.

This paper presents the results of a geological mapping project across the eastern Simbruini Mts. and the higher Roveto Valley (Central Apennines). The study area belongs to the Latium-Abruzzi Domain, which is characterized by a Cretaceous and Miocene carbonate platform succession followed by a thick upper Miocene terrigenous succession. A unique feature of the study area is the existence of a thick clastic unit, the ‘brecce della Renga fm.’; this unit was produced by the dismantling of the margins of a large pre-orogenic extensional structural high, which rose within the foredeep basin starting in the early Tortonian. Following the Messinian-Pliocene Apennine chain building phase, the area was subjected to post-orogenic Quaternary extension, related to the opening of the Tyrrhenian sea. A geological map on the 1:20,000 scale illustrates the main stratigraphic and structural features of the area.

Northern Apennines is tectonically an active fold and thrust belt. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) based drainage network was extracted to analyze river profiles to document the influence of neotectonics on landscape evolution in Rossenna river basin, northern Apennines Italy. This approach decodes the neotectonic signals by computing channel steepness, Hack stream-length gradient (HSLG) and knickpoints analyses. The main objective was to examine how spatially variable rock uplift relate to changes in river morphology. The results obtained are consistent with the recent tectonic uplift of the region. The presence of knickpoint anomalies and higher values of steepness and HSLG index in south west region and the lower segments of Rossenna River indicate high relative uplift in these areas, which is related to the presence of strikeslip and thrust faulting. It is concluded that these results are useful to constrain the active tectonics in a simpler and faster way using river profile analysis.

A limestone deposit with an unusual fauna is reported from the late Miocene of northern Italy (Ca’ Fornace site). The petrography of the carbonate and its distinct carbon isotope signature (with δ13C values as low as -57.6‰) clearly identify this limestone as an ancient methane-seep deposit. The dominant faunal elements are serpulid tubes belonging to Protis, and extremely inflated, medium-sized shells of the lucinid bivalve Anodontia mioinflata sp. nov. Also common is the small bathymodiolin Idas aff. tauroparva, plus some large specimens of the lucinid Lucinoma, and poorly preserved, medium-sized specimens of a possible vesicomyid bivalve, an arcid bivalve, small gastropods of the genera Laeviphitus (Elachisinidae), Anatoma (Scissurellidae), as well as desmophyliid and caryophyllid scleractinian corals. This faunal assemblage is quite distinct from the typical Miocene seep faunas in northern Italy, which are dominated by large bivalves of the Lucinidae (Meganodontia), Vesicomyidae (Archivesica), and Bathymodiolinae, possibly due to a shallower depositional depth of the Ca’ Fornace site.

We present a 130 km2 wide geological map for the NE side of the fault-bounded High Agri Valley Southern Italy, that formed in the Quaternary in response to extensional tectonics dissecting the folds and thrusts of the Lucanian Apennine. To prepare the map, at 1:25,000 scale, we integrated information obtained through field surveys and the review of pre-existing geological data. Our work describes a number of significant map-scale structures, which can be related to well-constrained tectonic episodes. The new geological map provides important constraints that can be used to distinguish ancient structures from those that were active during the Quaternary, allowing a more detailed reconstruction of the processes that operate during the development of a post-orogenic trough. We expect that the new map will be used for different types of geological investigations, including studies of inversion tectonics, active tectonics, geosite mapping, 3D modelling of geological structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantations of conifers are widespread in Europe, often occurring outside of their native range. Reduction in species richness linked to increases in altitude has been previously reported for natural forests, although there is a lack of specific studies for mature pine plantations in both the Apennines and Europe. The aim of this study was to quantify the long-term effects of the extensive Pinus nigra plantations carried out between 1900 and 1956 in protected areas on floristic richness, species composition, and ecological traits of the understorey vegetation. We compared 20 mature pine plantations selected along an altitudinal gradient (700-1700 m a.s.l.) with neighbouring deciduous natural forests dominated by Ostrya carpinifolia and Fagus sylvatica, which represent the most widespread forest types in the central Apennines. The results showed that floristic richness follows two distinct altitude trends in pine plantations and natural forests. A strong reduction in species richness with elevation was observed in the natural forests, as well as a consequent increase in the local contribution to beta diversity, with a turnover of the ecological traits of the species. Contrastingly, no significant changes in richness and beta diversity were found for pine plantations in the same altitude range. Indeed, mature pine plantations up to 1400-1500 m a.s.l. showed the presence of many heliophilous and thermophilous species that are usually distributed at lower elevation. We discuss how such pine plantations can mitigate the effect of increasing altitude which is usually observed in the natural forests, slowing down the typical diversification of the forest communities along the altitudinal gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the increasing interest in elevational patterns in biodiversity, few studies have investigated variations in life forms and biogeographical composition, especially in the Mediterranean biome. We investigated elevational patterns in species richness, biogeographical composition (chorotypes) and life forms (Raunkiaer classification) along an elevational gradient in a Mediterranean mountain (Central Italy). We found a general hump-shaped pattern of species richness, which can be explained by harsher conditions at the lowest and highest elevations. This pattern is distinctly related to prevalence at mid elevations of species with European and Euro-Asiatic distribution, which are favored by a temperate climate. Phanerophytes and geophytes (which are mainly associated with woods) were concentrated at mid elevations where woodlands prevail. Hemicryptophytes increased with elevation, consistently with their ability to cope with high altitude climatic conditions. Mediterranean species declined with elevation because they are negatively affected by decreasing temperatures. Chamaephytes showed a U-shaped pattern, suggesting they are able to cope with arid and cold conditions at the extremes of the gradient. Endemics increased with elevation because of their association with mountainous areas as key places for endemism evolution. These results illustrate how elevational patterns in species richness, biogeographical composition and life forms are interrelated and demonstrate reciprocal insights for understanding current vegetation settings.